Richard Blumenthal actually said...

"I am very, very confident she will serve in this position with distinction and recommend her as highly as possible to this Committee."

"I would agree with you as a former State official that the States are really pioneering and spearheading some of the most innovative and important work in this area."

"although basic research does not begin with a particular practical goal; when you look at the results over the years, it ends up being one of the most practical things government does."

"Thank you all for being here on a very, very important subject and one that really should have the attention of many more of our members..."